Last weekend, Chris planned a romantic overnight stay in Milwaukee. We checked in at the beautiful Iron Horse Hotel in the early afternoon, where we were graciously greeted with fruity welcome cocktails.

As we settled into our lofty room, a server arrived to deliver champagne and chocolate truffles, a nice touch Chris added for Valentine's Day, although it's also available for any room package when you book your stay.

Our room was on the fifth floor with a great view of Milwaukee in the distance. The hotel is on the train line and conveniently offers ear plugs for light sleepers. I'm the heaviest sleeper around, so this wasn't a problem for me -- although in the morning, you can hear the train as it goes by. By no means a deal-breaker for such a cool stay, but worth noting if you wake up easily.

Regardless, our room had an eclectically urban vibe, with exposed brick, industrial lighting and a mix of modern and rustic decor. The Keurig was a nice touch, along with an iPod player, cozy robes and a huge bathroom with an oversized rain shower head.

Downstairs, the lobby was constantly packed with fellow visitors and locals alike. There was a cozy bar, Branded, that was buzzing from the time we arrived until we left the next day around noon, along with a large lounge area with clusters of couches and armchairs for big groups or intimate conversations.

The hotel is dog-friendly, and we saw our share of Great Danes and dachshunds roaming around the lobby on leashes with their owners. The reception desk even had a water bowl and treats for the furry guests.

We didn't have a chance to try out the restaurant, Smyth, but we peeked in and the ambiance was great. There was also a gym and spa, both of which we didn't have time to visit but will add to the list for next time. Overall, the hotel could serve as a destination in itself and invites you to linger in the common areas, mingle with other guests and really feel a sense of relaxation.

The hotel is located just southwest of downtown Milwaukee in the trendy Walker's Point neighborhood. It's easily within walking distance to a crop of good restaurants, and it's only a short hike from the Third Ward. For bike enthusiasts, it's right next to the Harley Davidson Museum -- and during the annual summer Motorcycle Rally, rooms can go for upwards of $1,000.